Posted: Feb 17, 2024
Haverhill, MA (February 17, 2024) - The Northern Essex Community College men's basketball team used a 12-1 run in the early minutes of the second half to take a lead they would not relinquish enroute to their 30th consecutive home victory dating back to February 23, 2022 to improve to 24-1 on the season and 19-0 in Region 21 play.
The win also clinches the Knights second consecutive regular season Region 21 championship, which will be hosted in its entirety at the Sport and Fitness Center February 28 through March 3.
Trailing 40-36 in the opening minute of play in the second half, the Knights run gave them a 48-41 lead on their way to a 78-71 victory.
Camill Palacioglu (Tuebingen, GR) led the Knights offense as he scored a team high 16 points. He was followed closely by Luis Reynoso (Lawrence) with 15.
Darlin Santiago (Salem) and Edwin SamMbaka (Paris, FR) both recorded 11 points to give the Knights four scorers in double figures.
SamMbaka and Reynoso led the Knights defensive effort as they combined for four blocked shots and 23 rebounds.
The Knights will hit the road for their final three games of the regular season beginning Tuesday at MassBay before they return home on February 28th for the quarterfinal round of the Region 21 Tournament.